Michael Keen, of the Beeches, Little Blakenham, appeared at West Suffolk Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

The 71-year-old, who was charged with a total of four counts of harassment, one of which was dismissed, was sentenced to six-month probation, a two-year ASBO and ordered to pay court costs.

Speaking after the case, Mid Suffolk local policing commander inspector, Tristan Pepper, said: “This is a pleasing result that has come about as a result of hard work of officers, especially PC Amy Hutton and Western Area Operational Partnership Team Anti-Social Behaviour Officer Verity Pearson.

“Mr Keen is a very difficult individual who made the lives of many of his neighbours an absolute misery.

“They were subjected to regularly having abuse shouted at them, swearing, offensive and personal comments made towards them in their gardens and whilst walking down the street in which they live.

“This case shows that we will deal with issues of anti-social behaviour head on and use the law to full extent.

“It shows that residents do not have to live in fear of being intimidated and being harassed and this behaviour is unacceptable, especially for someone of his age.

“The Anti-Social Behaviour Order will be an excellent useful tool as it means that if he breaches any of his conditions then officers can act swiftly to put him before the courts again.”

Editor’s Note

The original version of this article stated that Mr Keen was found guilty of one count of using threatening and abusive words to a police constable. Although Mr Keen was charged with that offence, he now tells us that no evidence was offered by the CPS, and the charge was therefore dropped. The article has been amended to reflect this.

This article previously stated that the offences to which Mr Keen pleaded guilty took place over a 10 year period. In fact, the three offences all related to events in 2013. The fourth charge of harassment, which was dismissed, related to a 10 year period. The incorrect information was provided to the Ipswich Star by the police and the article has now been amended to reflect the accurate dates.”